The Chrisley family spent years living in a bubble of "perfection" on the USA Network. Then, the bubble burst. If you followed the 2022 trial or the 2023 sentencing, you know the basics: Todd and Julie Chrisley were sent to federal prison for bank fraud and tax evasion. It felt like the end of an era. But here we are in 2026, and things look wildly different.
Basically, the family is back. But they aren't on the same show you remember. The Chrisleys: Back to Reality is the new chapter, and honestly, it’s a lot grittier than the Southern-fried comedy of the original series.
What is the new show actually about?
Think of it as the unvarnished version of their lives. While Chrisley Knows Best was all about Todd’s quips and organized family outings, this new Lifetime series focuses on the fallout of their legal battles. It premiered in September 2025 as a two-night event.
The show picks up during the most intense period for the kids. Savannah was acting as the primary guardian for Chloe and Grayson while her parents were away. You’ve got cameras following her to the prison visits, her meetings with lawyers, and her emotional breakdown over her split from Robert Shiver. It’s heavy.
One of the most surprising things? The show actually captured the moment the family got the news about the presidential pardons. In May 2025, President Donald Trump pardoned both Todd and Julie. The series transitioned from a "survival" story to a "reentry" story overnight.
Key Differences from the Original Show
The vibe has shifted. You aren't seeing a mansion and a perfectly manicured lawn every five minutes.
- The Network: It moved from USA Network to Lifetime.
- The Producers: Savannah and Chase are executive producers now. They have a lot more control over what gets shown.
- The Cast Additions: We’re seeing more of Julie’s parents, Harvey and Pam.
- The Tone: It’s raw. Savannah described the family as a "diabolical dumpster fire" during filming. They aren't hiding the cracks anymore.
The Pardon That Changed Everything
Most people thought Todd and Julie would be gone for a decade. Todd was originally looking at 12 years; Julie had seven. The legal team fought hard, and while the appeals were a mixed bag—Julie actually won a resentencing hearing in late 2024 before the pardon—the ultimate "get out of jail free" card came from the White House in May 2025.
They were released on May 28, 2025. The Chrisleys: Back to Reality shows them walking through the front door and seeing the kids for the first time in over two years. It wasn't all hugs and sunshine, though. Todd has been vocal about the fact that his "teenage" daughter Chloe is now a different person. Adjusting to a 13-year-old’s personality after being gone since she was 10 is a massive hurdle.
Where the Family Stands in 2026
Life after lockup isn't just about red carpets. The family is busy, sure, but they’re also divided.
- Todd and Julie: They’re currently living at home, trying to find their "groove." They recently shared on their podcast, Chrisley Confessions 2.0, that they’re in a "good space" but that everything is different. They’re dealing with the backlash of being pardoned, which Todd naturally blames on politics.
- Savannah: She’s the powerhouse now. Between her podcast Unlocked, her skincare line, and her work on criminal justice reform (she’s even talked about a potential collab with Kim Kardashian), she’s the one holding the purse strings.
- Chase: He’s had a rougher go. The show doesn't shy away from his struggles with mental health and his strained relationship with Savannah. He’s currently living with his grandparents and trying to build a new business while navigating life with his girlfriend, Jodi.
- The Kids: Grayson is an adult now, and Chloe is navigating her teens. The show highlights how much they grew up while their parents were behind bars.
Misconceptions You Should Ignore
You might see rumors that the show was canceled or that they’re still in prison. That’s old news. There was a period where a different production company was involved, and Savannah backed out because she didn't feel "safe" with how they were handling things. That delayed the project, but the Lifetime series is the official result of her finding a partner (Bunim/Murray Productions) that she actually trusts.
Also, don't expect Lindsie or Kyle to be major players. While the family tries to heal, the estrangement with Todd’s oldest children remains a massive, unaddressed wound for the most part.
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How to Keep Up With the Chrisleys
If you want to stay in the loop, you have to look beyond the TV screen. The reality is that the show is just one piece of the puzzle.
- Listen to the Podcasts: Chrisley Confessions 2.0 is where Todd and Julie give their weekly updates. Savannah’s Unlocked is where you get the "younger" perspective and the business side of things.
- Stream the Show: You can find The Chrisleys: Back to Reality on the Lifetime app or website. Most major streaming services with "Live TV" (like Hulu or Sling) have it on demand.
- Watch the Socials: Savannah is the most active. She’s very transparent about the "bad days," which is a refreshing change from the old Chrisley brand.
The transition from "Knows Best" to "Back to Reality" is more than just a name change. It’s a total rebranding of a family that realized perfection wasn't sustainable. They’re still wealthy, they’re still loud, and Todd is still opinionated, but the "reality" part of reality TV has finally caught up with them.
Next Steps to Stay Informed
Check the Lifetime schedule for Season 1 reruns or upcoming Season 2 announcements. You should also follow Savannah Chrisley’s social media for real-time updates on Todd and Julie’s transition back to public life, as they often post about their new business ventures there first.